ATLANTA — Ken Keymer, president and chief executive of AFC Enterprises Inc., franchisor and operator of Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, has announced his resignation.
Keymer, who joined the company in September 2005, is stepping down to spend more time with his family, according to a news release. His last day will be March 30.
According to a March 5 report in the Denver Business Journal, Keymer will take over the CEO spot at Denver-based Vicorp Restaurants Inc. Vicorp operates restaurants under the Village Inn and Bakers Square brands.
AFC has announced the appointment of former chief financial officer, Frederick B. Beilstein, as interim CEO. His responsibilities will include working with the existing management team to oversee the execution of the company's operations.
AFC also announced the promotion of Chief Development Officer, James W. Lyons, to the newly created position of chief operating officer. Lyons joined the Popeyes management team in July 2004 and has played a key role in improving the company's development pipeline and accelerating new restaurant openings.
Keymer's resignation comes on the heels of a legal battle between Popeyes and Church's Chicken. The battle is over 10 Popeyes units in Texas that have been sold and subsequently changed to Church's.
